More than 125 people attended a celebration of Life and Witness of Resurrection that held Saturday, Sept. 30, at Calvary Presbyterian Church for Barbara England, a beloved former director of the church’s preschool program.
England became director of the preschool in 1985 and served in that role until 2002. During her tenure, Calvary sought national accreditation, and it was the first preschool in the region to do so. Many of the programs that currently exist trace back to England’s efforts, and Calvary Presbyterian is still recognized as one of the top preschools in the area.
The Rev. Millason Dailey, a pastor in her meditation, talked about England’s success, not just as a preschool director, but also as a human being who was warm, encouraging and who served as a personal mentor to hundreds of people.
As rain fell outside, warm praise flowed within for England, who was also celebrated for her legacy both in the community and in the church where she was an active member and sang in the choir.
A bench, which had been given in 2002 in England’s honor, had a prominent place during the memorial service, and a sister bench is being given in her memory.
To celebrate her life, the church has started the Barbara England Memorial Fund which will be used to provide scholarships and other resources to Calvary preschool children.
First published in the October 6 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
